SYLVIAD.E. 11;] 



OvioUa, from ]\radagascar, probably belongs also to this family, 

 and shows some affinity in its coloring to 0. TralU'd. 



Fam. Sylviadje. 

 Of small size mostly ; bill slender ; win;:^ usually somewhat 

 lengthened, and tail moderate or short ; tarsus long ; feet 

 moderate. 



The family of Warblers comprise several distinct groups which 

 I have classed together, partly in accordance witli Gray and Hors- 

 field, and partly because I consider that the birds tluis arranged 

 form a parallel series of equal value with the Thrushes, SJirikes, and 

 the other dentirostral families, in all of which there are certain 

 marked differences of type. They agree in being mostly of small 

 size, some very minute, and none equalling a Thrush ; the winn-s of 

 most are moderate or somewhat long, short and rounded in one 

 sub-family ; the tail is usually moderate or rather short, lengthened 

 in a few ; the tarsus of all is moderately long and stout, and the 

 feet moderate, suited in some for perching, in others for terrestrial 

 habits. The majority feed solely on insects, a very few on flower- 

 buds, and even on fruit. They may be divided into the following 

 sub-families : — 



1. — Saxicolincc, Stone-chats and Wheat-ears. 



2.- — RuticilUnoe, Redstarts and Busli-chats. 



3. — Calamolierpince, Grass Warblers. 



4. — Drymoicino', Wren AA'^arblers. 



5. — Pliylloscopincc, Tree Warblers. 



6. — Si/lvii/ice, Grey Warblers. 



7. — MotacillincB, Wagtails and Pipits. 

 Prince Bonaparte divides them into Saxicolina, including our 

 two first sub-families ; Calamoherpinai, comprising our two next ; 

 Si/lviince, with our 5th and 6th ; and Motacillince. 



Although the chain of affinities is not uninterrupted in this 

 grouping, yet it appears, upon the whole, that this is not far from the 

 natural order of succession. The Stone-chats and Wagtails jDcrhaps 

 ought to be placed next each other, as they have various affinities 

 of color and habits. Some of the larger species appear to grade 

 into the Rock-thrushes ; a few have affinities for the Timaline 

 Thrushes ; several approach the Saxicoline Fly-catchers ; others 



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